NFL player Al-Quadin Muhammad receives key to the City of Newark

NEWARK, N.J. (PIX11) - A hometown hero is receiving a hero's honor.

"I've learned a lot of great things and I've done a lot of great things in giving back to the community, the kids in Newark, just to let them know that they can be successful, and they can make it out," said Al-Quadin Muhammad. 

Before Muhammad ever suited up for the New Orleans Saints, Indianapolis Colts and Chicago Bears, he played for Newark Pop Warner, Paterson Catholic and Don Bosco Prep. Those who watched him grow up remember him fondly.

"He was a gifted, intelligent, kind, creative, charismatic young man," said Iris Matthews, one of Muhammad's childhood teachers. 

"What he's given back to the Newark community and even kids from Paterson who still know who Quan is, that is the most important thing I can say," said Benjie Wimberly, State Assemblyman and Muhammad's former coach at Paterson Catholic. 

On Friday, Muhammad received the key to the City of Newark from Mayor Ras Baraka. It's the city's highest honor, and it's not just for his success, but all he's given back; Muhammad's annual youth camp has touched hundreds of kids in the city during his 8-year NFL career.

"The camp is still going, I do a camp every year," said Muhammad. "What I would like to accomplish is letting kids in the City and all over, no matter where they come from, that they can be successful and they could do the same thing I'm doing, and more, and better, no matter the circumstances."

Muhammad's NFL journey continues; he's currently a free agent, meaning he's free to sign with any team. He said he trains tirelessly every single day, staying ready so he doesn't have to get ready - a message he has shared with Newark's youth.

"Anything you want to accomplish or anything you want to achieve you got to consistently work at it on a daily basis." said Muhammad.